Since the launch of the first mainstream hybrid car - the Toyota Prius in 1997 - their popularity has surged in the UK, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious and cost-savvy motorists. But what is a hybrid car, how do they work, and what is the difference between hybrid cars?
A hybrid car uses two power sources to run: a petrol or diesel engine combined with an electric motor and a battery. By relying on electric power for parts of the drive, hybrid cars consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly choice than traditional diesel or petrol cars.
As electricity is cheaper than petrol, hybrid cars are not only better for the environment they are better for your wallet too. Plus, because hybrid cars use an electric motor alongside a traditional engine, there’s less wear and tear, meaning fewer visits to the garage.
Hybrids are versatile and suitable for most drivers, whether for city driving, long-distance travel, or rural areas.
In this guide, we’ll describe the different types of hybrid cars and explain how a hybrid car works so that you can choose the right type of hybrid cars for your needs and lifestyle.
Types of hybrid cars available in the UK include full hybrid, plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids and range-extended electric cars. They all work in slightly different ways by having a greater dependency on one or other fuel source. Let’s take a closer look:
Also known as self-charging hybrids, full hybrid cars can operate using the combustion engine, electric power, or both, making them extremely versatile.
Most full hybrid cars can travel a few miles in all-electric mode, particularly at lower speeds of around 30 mph, while the combustion engine takes over for longer motorway journeys.
The battery on a self-charging car can be charged either by the petrol engine acting as a generator or through the kinetic energy from braking. Because they don’t need to be plugged in to charge up, they are a more convenient choice for those drivers who don’t have the means or patience to charge via a power socket.
Plug-in hybrids offer a longer electric-only range compared to full hybrids. Their larger batteries allow them to travel between 25 and 70 miles on electric power alone before switching to the combustion engine.
A plug in hybrid car can be charged at home using a standard 3-pin socket (via a special EVSE cable) or a dedicated wallbox, or at public EV charging stations commonly found at petrol stations and supermarkets.
While hybrid cars that plug in tend to be more expensive than self-charging models, they can be attractive to company car drivers due to favourable tax benefits.Text here ...
Mild hybrids are relatively new to the market. They use a small electric motor and battery, which work alongside the combustion engine; neither power source runs independently. The electric motor boosts the engine during acceleration from a standstill and helps run other car systems like air conditioning. Some models allow the engine to shut off while coasting downhill, saving fuel.
Although a mild hybrid car will provide some fuel economy benefits, they will be less impressive than those of full or plug-in hybrids.
The battery on a MHEV is charged through regenerative braking, so don’t require a charging infrastructure. This makes them a practical option for those looking for slight improvements in efficiency without any major lifestyle changes.
Range-extended electric cars are a newer type of hybrid that features an electric motor as the primary source of propulsion, with a small petrol engine acting as a backup generator.
This setup allows for greater electric-only range compared to a plug-in hybrid and reduces the risk of being stranded if the battery runs out.
Range extender hybrids use their gasoline engine to charge the battery or power the electric motor. The all-electric range is around 50-80 miles, which can be extended to 200-300 miles once the range extender engine kicks in.
While still relatively new to the market, range-extended cars offer an alternative for those wanting the benefits of an electric vehicle with the reassurance of a backup engine.
We hope this guide has helped to explain the different types of hybrid cars. If you're considering making the switch, explore our range of hybrid cars or visit one of our dealerships to find the right model for you.
